The Hibernian Mass

"I listened to The Hibernian Mass and WOW!! It is soooooo beautiful. Speechless!" - Joyce Close

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Listen to samples of the 12 songs.

After 25 years of writing and performing original Americana rock and traditional Celtic music, Switchback has turned their talents to liturgical fare. No strangers to playing Catholic Masses in their decades-long career, Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack set to work on what they have titled "The Hibernian Mass” after a visit to the island on which St. Patrick constructed his first church in the 5th century.

“The story of St. Patrick is one of courage,” says Brian FitzGerald. “Despite being banished to Inchagoill (meaning “Island of the Stranger”) by the Druids, he managed to reach the hearts and minds of the Irish people and brought them into the new faith. Through the music for this Mass, we want people to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and able to explore their faith in a new direction.”The word “Hibernia,” which shares the same roots from which “hibernate” is derived, means “wintry” or “sleepy” and was used by the Romans to describe their first impressions of Ireland, which they deemed unworthy of invasion.

“Because of this, the culture of Ireland was preserved,” Martin McCormack notes. “The Celtic culture influenced Patrick as much as Patrick's faith influenced the Celts. It brought about the uniquely Irish form of Christianity, a form that we tried to capture in this mass.”

Indeed, the recorded version of the Mass has a distinctly Celtic sound. Switchback was joined by two of the finest Irish musicians in Chicago: bodhran (Irish drum) player Jackie Moran and uilleann piper Sean Gavin. Fiddler Paul Russell, FitzGerald’s godson, is also featured on the recording. The Mass was produced by former Oak Park resident Paul Von Mertens, who is the arranger for Beach Boy Brian Wilson.

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"Just bought and listened to "The Hibernian Mass." Beautiful and great!!! I love it and will share with my Hibernian brothers here in Cincinnati. Have most of your CDs." - Bob E.

"Enjoying your music CD, The Hibernian Mass. In Peoria, the Catholic Church sponsors Cursillo. What is unique about the local Cursillo center is that it welcomes other Christian faiths. Anyway, I sometimes play music for their mass and recognize parts in your album. Your arrangements and original music are great, this CD will be a great tool to help me prepare to serve. What a great blessing." - Steve Duitsman